I own a Milano. IMHO,all it needs is a front disc brake to be an awsome bad weather commuter. I really like the Nexus 8sp. You don't have to do the brake-pedal-downshift-brake dance when you come up to a light. Shifting is as smooth or better than any of my derailer bikes,plus you don't have the big jumps in gears from shifting front rings. There is some drag,but it's still easier to ride than my bumblecrow Sedona.

After my vacation is over,I'm going to do some commuting on it. I'll give an update when I do.